The Johnsonian

Issue date: 4/2/08 Section: Arts

Decked out in "carnivale" masks, students rehearse for the play "Edward II" that runs April 9 through April 13 in Johnson Theater. Call X4014 for tickets.

Imagine the balcony scene from William Shakespeare's classic romantic play "Romeo and Juliet."

Juliet, a sweet maiden with long, flowing hair, stares dreamily into the night and wails "Romeo, oh Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?"

Romeo, the dashing prince, calls to her.

Now, change to the play to Christopher Marlowe's "Edward II" and reverse the roles-guys playing girl parts and vice versa-and you have Winthrop's latest ambitious theater production.

"Edward II" is the universal story of the power struggle over the throne and concentrates on the relationship between King Edward and Gaveston.

Though carrying the burden of what is known as a "classical play," students shouldn't be worried about difficult language, stale plot lines or drab imagery.

"It won't be what you expect from a classical play," said Andrew Vorder Bruegge, chair of the theater and dance department. "We aren't doing a faithful adaptation."

This assurance is the result of a few changes, though Bruegge was quick to add that the major themes are still intact.

The first change is the time period. Set in modern times, the actors will speak common English and wear regular clothes.

Another change is dealing with the alleged homosexual relationship between King Edward and Gaveston. Bruegge didn't want that to be the entire focus of the play.

Therefore, the women portray male characters and the men portray female characters.

This change, Bruegge said, is to do away with the belief that King Edward and Gaveston had a relationship.

Lastly, the actors wear masks that emit a "carnivale" quality. These masks, Bruegge said, are used to define the world in which the characters inhabit.

The cast is sure reveling in the changes.

Caitlyn Colyer, sophomore theater education major, plays Gaveston and Sir John Hinult in the production and said it's been a lot of fun.

"It's been a challenge," she said, "but rehearsals have been going well and it's been interesting to hear everyone's ideas."

Colyer, who also starred in last semester's "Antigone," cited the difficult language in the two plays as part of the challenge.

Another part of the challenge is the background work.

Patti Henriksen, senior theater performance major, plays King Edward himself, or herself, rather. She said the actors had two weeks of analyzing the play and making sense of the words and phrases.

Challenge or no, it's coming together nicely.

"Everyone is excited about it," Henriksen said.

Both Colyer and Henriksen encourage people to come see the play.

"The themes that come up are very relevant to today," Colyer said. "The deeper meaning of Marlowe's play has a lot to do with ourselves."

"The show is fast-paced and a lot happens, which will make for an exciting night," Henriksen said.

"Edward II" will show in the Johnson Theatre April 9 through April 12 at 8 p.m. and April 13 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $8 with a Winthrop ID and $15 for the general public.

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